During the last ten years, the number of Kingdom publishers has more than doubled. Now, there are seven congregations and one isolated group, a total of 280 proclaimers of the good news. Let us take a trip around the island to visit these congregations.

Around the Capital

The brothers and sisters who endured all those years have been richly blessed. There are now two prospering congregations in Reykjavík, the capital city. They meet in a fine Kingdom Hall located in the same building as the branch office, dedicated in 1975.

Friðrik and Ada were among the seven who got baptized back in 1956. “I recall that we used to have meetings in a small room in the attic where the missionaries lived,” says Friðrik. “There was room for 12 chairs, but sometimes, when more than the usual number showed up, we opened the door to the next little room. What a difference today when two congregations fill the Kingdom Hall!”

The congregation closest to Reykjavík is Keflavík, about 30 miles [50 km] to the west. The drive takes us through lava fields. Ten percent of Iceland is covered with lava. The first vegetation to appear in these fields consists of lichens and mosses, but in the older lava fields, you will find wild berries and low-growing shrubs.

The congregation in Keflavík has 19 publishers and was formed in 1965. Nearby is the international airport, and a U.S. military base is also situated here. Though the Witnesses have never been able to work from house to house on the base itself, many Bible studies have been conducted there, and quite a few individuals have learned the truth.

Another congregation is in Selfoss, 35 miles [55 km] east of Reykjavík. Here we see green farming country with cattle and sheep, including Iceland’s largest dairy. On the way, we pass by Hveragerði, a small town in a picturesque valley. From a distance we notice columns of steam from hot springs all over the valley. This is one of the most extensive thermal areas in the country, and many greenhouses have been built to utilize these resources and provide hothouse tomatoes, cucumbers, and a variety of flowers.

In this area there is a small but active congregation of 19 Kingdom publishers. Sigurður and Guðrún Svava moved from Reykjavík to support this little group about the time the congregation was formed in 1988. Sigurður is the only elder here. Before he became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses almost ten years ago, he was a well-known musician, playing the drums in various bands. Today, he makes a living as a window cleaner, and he also teaches music. His life-style as an entertainer brought him many problems, such as drug abuse, heavy drinking, and a broken marriage. How satisfied he is now, having a purpose in life and serving Jehovah!

To the East End

Leaving Selfoss, we embark on a 420-mile [680 km] drive, mostly on narrow and rough gravel roads. We head for the next congregation, in the town of Reyðarfjörður, on the east coast. Within half an hour, we come into view of Hekla, the most famous Icelandic volcano. It has erupted four times in this century.

Having spent about ten hours on the road, we reach our destination. In Reyðarfjörður we meet the 12 publishers of the youngest congregation in Iceland. No Witnesses lived in this area until a missionary home was established in the latter part of 1988. Kjell and Iiris, a Swedish missionary couple who have served in Iceland since 1963, are assigned to work among the 15,000 people in this rural area. Many live in small fishing villages along the coastline, stretching about 300 miles [500 km].

Kjell relates: “There is no doubt that Jehovah has richly blessed the Kingdom work in this part of Iceland. On January 1, 1993, a congregation was formed, and we are conducting many good Bible studies with individuals who are making fine progress.

Taking the Northern Route

Leaving Reyðarfjörður, we head west. The next congregation is 190 miles [300 km] away, in the town of Akureyri. Special full-time preachers were assigned to work there in the early 1950’s. From the very beginning, the work met with hard opposition from some clergymen. Articles were published in the local newspaper to warn people against Jehovah’s Witnesses. Many of the townspeople were also involved in spiritism. But thanks to the endurance and patience of various pioneers and missionaries, today there is an active and loving congregation of 35 Kingdom preachers.

Friðrik, one of the elders here, was a fisherman. After attending the district convention in 1982, he was convinced that what he was learning was the truth. He returned to Akureyri determined to witness to his family, friends, and workmates. Friðrik made plans to quit his job as a fisherman so that he could have more time with the congregation. He told his girlfriend, Helga, that they could no longer live together until they were married, since he was going to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Friðrik also wanted her to study the Bible because he would not ‘marry an unbeliever.’ (1 Corinthians 7:39) To his surprise Helga started studying. They were married in February 1983 and were baptized shortly thereafter. In time Friðrik’s mother and sister also accepted the truth.

Our last stop is Akranes, 220 miles [350 km] from Akureyri, over three mountain ranges and through many beautiful valleys. Here the road is paved, making this a pleasant drive compared to the rough and narrow gravel roads we have traveled on most of the way. In Akranes we have the smallest congregation in Iceland​—five publishers, two of them serving as elders. They consist of two families that responded to the Macedonian call, left one of the larger congregations in Reykjavík, and settled down in this little town to serve where the need is greater. (Acts 16:9, 10)